🔗 Share this article False Assertions on the Internet Damaged Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Daughter Testifies to Court The French first lady's child, her daughter, testified to a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations spread through social media—among them the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life. Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a witness in the court case of 10 individuals accused of internet-based abuse targeting the first lady. Effects on Personal Routine Auzière stated that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, such as her fashion choices to her posture, as a result of the apprehension that every photograph might be misused to support malicious comments. "The result is that she constantly needs to be careful to what she wears, how she holds herself, no matter what her actions in everyday routine," Auzière informed the judges. Defendants and Accusations The defendants, in that age range, are in court for digital abuse. A few had a small social media following, while others were more visible. Each one is charged with making malicious comments about the first lady's personal life. For some, this extended to linking the disparity in years with the French president to hurtful comparisons. If found responsible, they face as much as 24 months in incarceration. Effect on Relatives She, a daughter from her mother's previous marriage, explained how the baseless rumors have led to a "worsening of her well-being" and a "worsening of her daily happiness". She explained, "Not a day passes when someone does not talk this to her." She emphasized the repercussions on loved ones, including the younger generation learning about false assertions like "She is deceptive" or "She was born male". "She does not know what to do about it," Auzière stated. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue anything, and she is constantly experiencing these attacks." Court Case Context The Paris trial is the latest phase in a extended court case targeting the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron is transgender. They have initiated a US lawsuit over false statements against a conservative podcaster who spread the claim. The legal filing asserts that the claim is completely false and notes that the individual referenced is in fact her sibling. Trial Testimonies Throughout the proceedings, several defendants disputed the charges. An individual, serving as a local official, asserted he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and described his social media content as ironic. Another defendant argued that his online activity were intended as "irony" and expressed concern that the legal action could threaten "the right to speak freely". Another individual explained he shared content since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "impact on the nation". Past Context The false theory about Brigitte Macron's identity circulated to some extent because their union has long been a point of interest online. She, who is two decades older than her husband, originally knew Emmanuel Macron when serving as a instructor at the institution he attended. The connection between them evolved through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in that year, following her separation. She concluded her statement by stating that the baseless rumors have created a "storm that does not cease" for her mother.